1975 Sexist OSU Newsletter
The Old Man, the newsletter of the Ohio State University Men’s Rugby club announced the formation of the Ohio State women’s team. Note the graphic illustration of a female player.
1977 The Pitch
The Tube and the Pitch, two different Ohio State Women’s team newsletters from 1977 show the grassroots organizing, bawdy nature of women’s rugby at the time.
Support us today!
When you contribute to the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation you become part of a movement to support girls and women involved in rugby.
We are a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.
All donations made are tax deductible.
Support us today!
When you contribute to the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation you become part of a movement to support girls and women involved in rugby.
We are a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.
All donations made are tax deductible.
Molly Cancian
Age:
20
Hails From:
Cleveland OH, currently living in Brunswick, Ohio
Job that Pays the Bills:
Full time student, Baldwin Wallace University
Rugby Life:
Baldwin Wallace University Women’s rugby team (Captain & MVP, 2021; Vice President, 2021-2022; President, 2022)
Cleveland Rugby Coalition (2019 - present)
Brunswick Rookie Rugby (6th grade, first girls tackle program in Ohio)
Brunswick Valkyries High School Girls (Captain, 2018-2020; Offensive MVP, 2019; 3x 7’s State Championships Winner; 2x 15’s state championships Runner-up)
Ohio Celtic Elite team
Midwest Thunderbirds U19
Leading Like a Boss:
Staff member at the 2021 NCR All-Star Tournament
Baldwin Wallace University Rock Climbing Club (President)
Baldwin Wallace Outdoor Adventure Club (Secretary)
L100 Coaching Certification
Baldwin Wallace Mens and Women’s Rugby, Community Service Project
Created, ‘Powerful Women on the Pitch’ Tournament (in celebration of women’s history month)
Student Mentor, Sophomore Bridge Leadership Program
4.0 GPA
NCR Scholastic All American (2019-2020)
Volunteers her graphic skills to the rugby community, creating designs for conference logos as well as team gear.
Why We Love Molly:
I was inspired by the way Molly handled herself through a knee injury, the surgery and her recovery. She had played almost injury free during her already long playing career. During her recovery she was at every match and assisted all her teammates and the club in any way possible, even as she was hurting and discouraged by the injury. During her recovery, I asked her how her knee was doing and she told me it was getting better slowly but surely. I told her that I was looking forward to seeing her run wild on the pitch again, but against other teams and not mine. She gave me one of her big smiles and told me she would be back soon. I knew she was hurting, but her strength showed through. Rugby is her passion and a large part of her identity.
All photos provided by the award recipient